I have sent mail to my web master and hope he will have photographs up soon...keep checking!

If you like the way I described Kathmandu, wait for Namche!

I arrived on Monday in Lukla and met up with a young Japanese trekker. We were strong and managed to get to Monjo in 3:07 of walking time...My Forerunner GPS measured 12.6 kilometers so I've called it 13! I think a young, healthy trekker could easily do Namche in a day but am not advising this!Next day we did the roughly 5 kilometers in 1:50 and were in Namche in time for morning tea. As we had time on our hands and were feeling fresh we decided to walk up to Everest View Hotel for afternon tea...this is 3880 meters and a very easy walk up via the airstrip.Today was a big day to Thame and Thame Monastery at 4000 meters... the round trip was 19 kilometers and again , for a fit trekker, a worthwhile day! The highlight was lunch at Everest Summiteers Lodge owned by Apa Sherpa who has the record for 16 Everest Summits...his brother Nawang Sherpa prepared lunchNamche Bazar is wonderful with 40 lodges that are very clean and welcoming. The village, as you know, nestles against the mountain and is very colourful. The shops all sell the necessaries and if you have left something behind, you can get it here. The food in the lodges is of a very high standard and varied...we are having steak, egg and fries for dinner tonight along with a cold Budweiser! And all for less than $US 10.00There are many Internet Cafe's so communications good. There are also a number of very fine bakeries serving up wonderful pastries and coffee!I will be posting a full report of this acclimatisation phase of my trip once back in Kathmandu on the weekend!

Hey Bruce,Following your every step and have notified your Cape Town buddies as well.We all have our collective thoughts right behind you supporting your back.If ever in doubt just remember our focus is right there on your very next step...Best wishes,Gary, Sir Knigel, JB.

Bruce just sent a bunch of nice photographs from Kathmandu, Namche bazaar, Thame, Khumjung and other places in the Khumbu valley. I have added all 40 images to a zipfile which can be dowloaded below, here is a selection:

Hi Boet, we are here sitting on your stoep, drinking your excellent wine and beer. we finally did it. Mowed the lawn this afternoon and garden is looking great!!! Only thing missing? Some oke half way up Everest. It is great to be able to follow your adventure via this website. We will follow with keen interest. Just be sure to come home safely as I am not going to be mowing your bloody lawn forever!!!! Our best wishes and love, PJ, Trace and gals